Carpenter, Zuckerman, & Rowley Wins Record $131 Million Verdict In Bar Over-Serving Case

On May 3, 2014, Melissa Blaylock, a 39-year-old mother of four, was a passenger in her own car and had a .20 blood alcohol level.  The driver, her estranged husband, had a blood alcohol level of .24.  After driving only two miles after leaving a restaurant, they were involved in a horrific accident on their way home.   This was Mr. Greene's third incident while driving under the influence.  It was his second DUI after consuming alcohol at the restaurant.

The lawsuit was brought against Blaylock's husband and the restaurant which allegedly served him over 20-ounces of vodka over a 3-hour period.  Following the accident, Melissa suffered a spine fracture, which resulted in her being rendered a quadriplegic.  Ms. Blaylock cannot move her body but feels chronic pain and is trapped in a prison of her own body.  

"This is a case of negligence and multiple poor decisions and irresponsibility which resulted in forever changing Melissa's life," said Nick Rowley, lead trial lawyer.  "Melissa will never walk again, will require constant aid for basic everyday tasks, will continue to incur medical bills, and will remain a prisoner of her own body due to this horrific incident.  This could have all been avoided had someone with a BAC of nearly 3 times the legal limit not been behind the wheel."

A Seattle jury in the case deliberated for nearly two days before reaching a record setting verdict of $51,000,375 in economic damages and $80,000,000 in non-economic damages, resulting in a total verdict of $131,000,375.  The verdict apportioned fault against all parties in the case, 44% against the restaurant and bar, 39% against the drunk driver, and 17% against Melissa Blaylock.  

"The people of Washington State take drinking and driving, over service of alcohol, and getting in a car with a drunk driver seriously.  Hopefully this verdict will have the effect of changing decisions people make in the future and lives will be saved," added Rowley.  

"I feel justice was served today for Melissa," said Rowley.  "I know she would give all the money in the world to have her life back to normal."

The California law firm of Carpenter, Zuckerman, & Rowley (CZR) has over 100 employees dedicated to fighting for the rights of the injured.  CZR is dedicated to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries.  For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit www.CZRlaw.com today. 

With offices in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, and California, and offering legal services from coast to coast, Trial Lawyers for Justice focuses on personal injury law. Trial Lawyers for Justice is dedicated to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries. For more information, or to schedule a consultation regarding your case, visit http://www.tl4j.com today.
Nick Rowley, his trial team, and the clients are available for media inquiries and interviews regarding this case and other personal injury legal matters.  For media and press inquiries, please contact Brendan Egan at [email protected]

Case Number 16-2-07043-4-SEA

SOURCE Carpenter, Zuckerman, & Rowley

Related Links

http://www.CZRlaw.com